I know it’s been a few weeks since I posted anything on my blog, so apologies for being such a bad blogger. I try to post something at least once a week but sometimes seven days have flown by and I’ve still got lots to do. It seems that when you are self employed, especially in a creative business, there are always things that you haven’t managed to do. It’s one thing to have to juggle the myriad of new creative thoughts and ideas you want to execute; but, for the most part, the day to day running of a business takes over. Both are equally important – if you weren’t making new things you wouldn’t need to do the necessary marketing for them. Likewise, what is the point of creating something if you aren’t going to market it? People have to know it’s there and have to find it; it would be great if you could telepathically ‘shout it out’ to millions of people! In business, as in life, it’s about striking a balance, but a balance that works for you. Some days may be just for creating, others for admin or a mix of the two. Whatever works for you, the most important thing is to enjoy what we do as if we don’t our creative reserves will feel depleted and that will be seen in the end product.

Balance is tough to achieve, but don’t forget to have fun. As a great philosopher once said, “You gotta keep it loose, you gotta keep it tight”. Right?

Over the past few weeks I have been making some new items for my shop. I’m still exploring textures using different materials to create some lovely paper bowls, Tuscan landscape collages and handmade cards. Here is a selection of them.

This weeks Crafty Northerner is again North of the border in the lovely city of Edinburgh. Maggie and her husband David from Zukr Boutique make delicious artisan goodies. Their chocolate lollipops, scrumptious brownies, cookies and delicious marshmallows are little works of art. Have a look at their Etsy shop to see their goodies for yourself!

Aquilla Design are based in Middlesbrough, UK and offer a unique range of mixed media collage, art & photography. I never knew there was so many ways to upcyle vinyl! Have a look at their Etsy shop to see their wonderful wares.

I’m very excited as Vivid Creative Curiosities has featured me in their weekly blog post. Yikes!!! Have a look at the post and while you’re there have a look at their blog to see the fab work they make.

“It’s not enough to be good. It’s not enough to be doing the same things as your competitors. You have to do something different”, says Megan Visser on www.handmadeology.com/its-not-enough-to-be-good – and it’s so true. There are so many great artists and craft makers out there, each showing their wares locally, nationally or worldwide. You have got to somehow make your products or brand stand out otherwise they can very easily get lost.

Customer service is great, but first you need customers before getting to this stage! You have to think about your target market and what they would want. Offer them diversity but still keep your design asthetic. Keep an underlying style that sets your work apart, you signature as it were. This is what will keep customers coming back and telling others about you.

But how can you do this if no-one knows about you? You have to tell the world about your work. Don‘t underestimate the power of social media and how it can help your business. The world is our market place now and there‘s never been a better time to sell your work. Times have changed – leaflets and business cards aren‘t as important as a good web presence and Twitter account. Yes, it’s another thing to learn, it’s like a language of it’s own and I am still getting to grips with it. But for those who do will find they not only build their sales, but accelerate them.

Lucy Farfort is an illustrator and designer based in Newcastle upon Tyne. She has a fantastic array of quirky, colourful products, from art prints and coasters to brooches. To find out more have a look at her website or Etsy shop.